February 2017

We’ve never been fans of chain restaurants. In fact, we avoid them whenever possible. But when the chain is San Diego based, family owned, and produces amazingly consistent restaurants like Vintana, Island Prime, and The Prado, then, well, we find ourselves making an exception. That’s why we’re pretty excited about the Cohn Restaurant Group bringing Draft Republic to Carlsbad (in the old Claim Jumper spot on Avenida Encinas).

According to a story in the Seaside Courier it’s going to go a little like this:

Draft Republic Carlsbad will showcase an open warehouse environment with communal seating, as well as nostalgic table games such as ping-pong, foosball, billiards and retro arcade games. Exclusive to the new Carlsbad site, two massive video walls and over 40 televisions will cater to the sports TV crowd. . . . As the name suggests, the highlight of Draft Republic’s beverage program is an impressive lineup of more than 101 craft beers on tap. With a heavy emphasis on local San Diego breweries, the bar program will also feature a diverse wine list and a variety of craft cocktails including beer cocktails and sangria.

People certainly seem to love beer (and their TVs), so we’re guessing Draft Republic will be an instant hit in Carlsbad.

Don’t think it’s over just yet. There are still three more chances to catch all the glamor, intrigue, and drama of Bye Bye Birdie at Sage Creek High School. Tonight, February 24th – 7PM and two shows tomorrow, February 25th – 2PM & 7PM at The Carlsbad Cultural Arts Center on the Campus of Carlsbad High School. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office or reserved by emailing: sagecreekdrama@gmail.com

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Carlsbad have named their Youth Of The Year and it is Zach Munitz, the runner-up is Sarah Vidaurri. The Youth of the Year program recognizes superior leadership skills, academic achievement, obstacles overcome, and outstanding service to Boys & Girls Clubs and the community. Munitz will receive a $10,000 scholarship and Vidaurri gets $1,500.

“We are so proud of what Zach has accomplished,” said Teen Program Director Katie Skarwecki. “He is more than deserving of this award. Zach is a natural-born leader who demonstrates compassion and maturity in everything he does, inspiring those around him to emulate his traits. He’s the type of person that makes everyone smile and every day better.”

Congrats to Zach and Sarah. For more on both youths, please follow the jump.

Carlsbad High School’s varsity dance team, the Lancer Dancers, took home a first place title at this year’s Universal Dance Association (UDA) National Dance Team Competition in the hip hop category. The event took place at Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 3-5, with several hundred of the nation’s top high school dance teams participating in the largest and most prestigious dance competition in the country.

“This was a huge win for us,” said Coach and former alum Laura Nares. “To win a title this year required a lot of extra effort and discipline having lost eight amazing seniors from last year’s squad. Over half of our team is new, which is a testament to how well the captains rose to the challenge of building a cohesive, unified team. We also had an injury sideline our only senior so we had to make some late adjustments to choreography and have an alternate step in and learn both routines.”